Meet Scarlett Song | Permanent make up artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scarlett Song and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scarlett, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Since I was little, I was drawn to anything and everything that stimulates me creatively. In school, I would dread going to every other classes except for art classes. I could spend endless hours doing crafts, designing, drawing and anything that gets my creativity flowing. That’s when you know something is for you, when it sets your soul on fire. I knew from very early on that I was never meant for routine work or a career that limits my creativity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
With my background as a Make Up artist, I decided to give Permanent Make Up a try. I made a deposit for a class and was so excited about it. But on the day of, I was having cold feet. There was so much going through my mind. Should I save this money for bills? What if I can’t find clients? What if no one trusts me with their face? What if I fail? I was struggling so much financially that at the time it made more sense to use the money for bills or get evicted from my apartment. Still drowsy and weak from my medical treatment that morning, I finally walk into my first permanent make up class. Learning permanent make up definitely has it challenges. It require an exceptional attention to details, an aesthetic eye, and a high degree of professional integrity.

I would spent hours working on models for free to build my portfolio. I work at my craft tirelessly and was not afraid to make sacrifices. Desiring to achieve excellence, I continue to take additional classes throughout the years. I didn’t care how much money I spent on classes. I wanted to know all I could about permanent make up. The investments definitely paid off because I become increasingly knowledgeable and skilled at my craft. My proudest moments come when get I get feedbacks from clients about the eyebrow shape I designed for them. How it enhance their appearances and improved their self esteem. The aesthetic I developed for my work seems to gain many positive feedbacks. Knowing that I am making an impact, no matter how small, gave me alot of encouragement along the way. This inspired me to eventually become a permanent make up instructor.

I’ve taken many permanent make up classes, and while it taught me fundamentals and tattooing techniques, it did not teach me the artistic side of it. While good shading plays a huge role, the shaping plays an even greater role. It’s “just brows”, but you’ll be surprised at how subtle changes affects the whole face. Brow shaping is truly an art. Some of us aren’t so creative, but it can be stimulated and develop. With this awareness in mind, I set out to design my course with the specific intention to give extra focus on the artsy side of it.

Aside from being consistent, I also believe part of my success is due to being financially literate and strategist in building and maintaining my business. Developing a balance between being an artist and a business woman is essential. We are living in a progressive time where we no longer need to be a struggling artist. Soul satisfaction and financial abundance in your career should go hand in hand. I also include this as part of my curriculum. Besides from teaching my students how to design and tattoo brows, I aim to pass on my knowledge about building and maintaining your beauty business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is such a big and diverse city with so many things to do. I would take them to so many places! Before I go anywhere and do anything, I must first reenergize myself. I like to relax and be pamper at Glow Spa & Nails on 2031 Westcreek lane located in the River Oaks area. I love the quality of their work and exceptional customer service. After that I’d stop by The PHO Fix at the Underground Food Hall on 1010 Prairie St. for a quick lunch. I don’t know how the owner, Danny, does it…but he can cook a mean bowl of Pho. Their noodle soup dish is well known among the asian community and has been featured on multiple social platforms as well as Food shows.

I love to participate in anything mentally stimulating, so I would opt for an activity like the Escape Room Game located at City Center in Memorial City! Strolling through the Houston museum of natural Science is another must on the list. Around evening time I would take them on a bike ride through the Buffalo Bayou park trail. I find bike ridding though nature extremely therapeautic. I love the feeling of the wind on my face and the soft warm glow of the sun on my skin. The view of the sun setting in the horizon as I ride through the trail is truly breathtaking. Before hitting up the next spot, we would stop at one of my favorite Boba Tea place, Gong cha. I always order the Dirty Brown Sugar Milk tea with 70% sugar. You are missing out if you have never had boba tea, and especially brown sugar milk tea!! They have two franchise location. One on Bellaire and one in Katy Asia town. We’ll end the night by going to a local karaoke bar for drinks and food. My favorite Karaoke bar is “Sing Karaoke Bar and Lounge” located at 1223 Grand Katy, TX. They have a wide range of unique mixed drinks and delicious food!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I don’t know if I would have been able to make it this far if it wasn’t for the ongoing support of my clients. I love and am so grateful for you guys!! But most importantly, I want to give thanks to my strongest supporter, my partner Sebastian. I am beyond lucky to have him to assisting me every step of the way , both emotionally and spiritually. A few years ago I had gotten really sick and was hooked on IVs and multiple medications. While the medical treatments was curing me, it was also on the verge of medically poisoning me. I almost left earth twice. Instead of being discourage and abandoning me, my partner stuck with me throughout that whole year to care for me while I was on bedrest. He is loving, patience, and kind to me. His love alone healed many parts of me. I was extremely broken and at the lowest point in my life. It was also during this time of my life, I realized my aspiration and goals. Tough time really teaches valuable lessons. I learned a lot about myself and what life means to me . With new awareness and wisdom, my priorities changed. I gained a new sense of purpose and my life suddenly started in a new direction.

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